This statement is so important it is worth repeating. Do whatever it takes to make communication easy for the recipient. Think about the people with whom you would rather communicate. They are likely easy to listen to, easy to understand, and easy to share an exchange of ideas.

There is a classic saying, “If I had more time I would have written a shorter letter”. Indeed, it does take more time to organize clear, concise, and compelling communication. If you want people to listen, understand, and retain your ideas, then take a few minutes to organize your thoughts. And, ‘Do whatever it takes to make it easy for the recipient.’

Daily we experience waves of information overload. Our heads are full and so are our email folders and voicemail boxes. Our time is squeezed multi-tasking at home and at work, and multi-managing communication devices. We suffer from the T’N’T effect — Technology and Time deficit.

Attention spans have dwindled. In a rush to communicate we do not take the necessary time to process and edit our thoughts. As words form in our head they go directly to the page or out of our mouth. We rush to hit the ‘send ‘ button. Rambling emails, conversations, and voice messages leave the recipient with the frustrating task of sifting through all the content in an effort to decipher the important information. This is no way to make friends and influence people.

Before you write that next email, make that call or ask for a meeting, take a few minutes to, ‘Do whatever it takes to make communication easy for the recipient’. Follow this efficient, effective and considerate process.